EXPERT
Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is a top Vascular Surgeon in Portland, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Portland, OR, Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell MD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
28 years
Experience
Dr. Erica Leith Mitchell, MD
- Portland, OR
- Univ of Co Sch of Med, Denver Co
- Accepting new patients
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Will vascular surgery affect my diabetes?
No, but the reverse is true. Please discuss with your heart surgeon.
Take care.
Take care.
Is there a possibility of a patient suffering a heart attack during a vascular surgery?
There is a risk for heart attack just with general anesthesia alone but risk depends on patient comorbidities and the operation planned (some have minimal risk while others like READ MORE
There is a risk for heart attack just with general anesthesia alone but risk depends on patient comorbidities and the operation planned (some have minimal risk while others like aortic surgery have higher risk). Generally, if a patient has a prohibitive cardiac risk for surgery other options are considered (endovascular or palliative medical management).....
Can PAD be treated with a surgery?
PAD can be treated with surgery, principles for bypass being you need a normal vessel to go from and a target vessel to go to, and then need a conduit (vein or graft) to bridge READ MORE
PAD can be treated with surgery, principles for bypass being you need a normal vessel to go from and a target vessel to go to, and then need a conduit (vein or graft) to bridge the two. Ask the doctor to explain why your mom is not a candidate for surgery.
I have severe pain in my calf without any injury. What could be the reason?
You certainly could have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with symptoms of claudication (reproducible calf/thigh muscle pain with exercise). Risk factors for PAD include tobacco READ MORE
You certainly could have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with symptoms of claudication (reproducible calf/thigh muscle pain with exercise). Risk factors for PAD include tobacco use, CAD, hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, positive family history and diabetes.
What is a vascular surgeon?
We differ from cardiologists in that our training and practice focuses on prevention, medical management, and surgical plus endovascular treatment of arterial and venous diseases READ MORE
We differ from cardiologists in that our training and practice focuses on prevention, medical management, and surgical plus endovascular treatment of arterial and venous diseases (excluding the brain and heart). We also have expertise in evaluating all imaging related to the blood vessels. We follow our patients for life. Cardiologists are not surgeons thus do not operate on blood vessels and generally their training and practice focuses on treating heart vessels..
Why does my leg swell if I have varicose veins?
Yes, for sure. Leg swelling is the next level up on the venous insufficiency/valvular reflux scale.
My mother has been diagnosed with atherosclerosis. What does treatment involve?
It definitely depends on her symptoms. Risk factor modification is the first line of therapy (smoking cessation, diabetes management, blood pressure, and cholesterol control). READ MORE
It definitely depends on her symptoms. Risk factor modification is the first line of therapy (smoking cessation, diabetes management, blood pressure, and cholesterol control). Surgical/endovascular treatment is recommended for moderate-severe (symptomatic) disease in patients that are not at too a high risk for treatment. Risks vary for differing procedures and depend on individual anatomy/risk factors.
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Does vascular surgery have an effect on blood pressure?
Hypertension is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). There definitely is a strong association between the two. I would recommend seeing your PCP for blood pressure READ MORE
Hypertension is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). There definitely is a strong association between the two. I would recommend seeing your PCP for blood pressure monitoring/management.
It is great that you are taking care of your self!
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It is great that you are taking care of your self!
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I have a blue patch on my palm. Is it an indication of a burst nerve?
Without seeing it, it is hard to tell. Importantly, make sure it is not a melanoma. Definitely have it evaluated even if to reassure you that it is a "nothing!"
What are the risks involved in a vascular surgery?
Risk is procedure related and also patient dependent. Patients with diabetes do have a higher risk for procedures than for non-diabetic procedures. Be sure you and she understand READ MORE
Risk is procedure related and also patient dependent. Patients with diabetes do have a higher risk for procedures than for non-diabetic procedures. Be sure you and she understand why the surgery is indicated and what to expect from the operation.
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What does an angioplasty procedure involve?
Angioplasty means stretching the artery open (using a small, inflatable balloon that is removed after stretching it open) from the inside of the artery. This can be performed in READ MORE
Angioplasty means stretching the artery open (using a small, inflatable balloon that is removed after stretching it open) from the inside of the artery. This can be performed in tiny vessels (coronary) or larger vessels (as large as the aorta). Results vary depending on vessel disease and diameter.
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What are the main causes of an arterial blockage?
Smoking, smoking, smoking....genetics and other risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Prevention involves elimination/avoidance of risk factors...except READ MORE
Smoking, smoking, smoking....genetics and other risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Prevention involves elimination/avoidance of risk factors...except genetics of course.
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What are the factors causing venous insufficiency?
Make sure the cause is venous vs. arterial. They are very different in causality and treatment. Venous insufficiency does not affect the hands. Venous insufficiency is typically READ MORE
Make sure the cause is venous vs. arterial. They are very different in causality and treatment. Venous insufficiency does not affect the hands. Venous insufficiency is typically seen in the lower extremities and results from the valves in the veins not functioning well...thus back flow of blood in the veins due to gravity (varicosities, leg swelling, skin changes, and ulcers).
I had a 24 hour flight and my feet seem numb even 12 hours after the journey. What could be the problem?
Numbness can be caused from peripheral neuropathy. Without knowing if you have diabetes the numbness could be caused from other causes. Best to have this evaluated.
I am 7 months pregnant and suffering from varicose veins. Will this condition persist even after my delivery?
Unfortunately, not. For sure, the symptoms will get better after delivery as the gravid uterus is not weighing on the iliac veins, but you will likely have recurrent sx's with READ MORE
Unfortunately, not. For sure, the symptoms will get better after delivery as the gravid uterus is not weighing on the iliac veins, but you will likely have recurrent sx's with each pregnancy. This is a well described phenomena. It is likely, too, that you have a positive family history for this condition. Compression stockings (even knee high) will provide symptom relief.
My family has a history of cardiac issues, and I'm worried. Is it likely that I will develop issues in the future?
Be sure you don't smoke as this is the primary risk factor for heart disease. Sadly we can't change our genetics but we can change our lifestyles- cholesterol, diet, exercise, READ MORE
Be sure you don't smoke as this is the primary risk factor for heart disease. Sadly we can't change our genetics but we can change our lifestyles- cholesterol, diet, exercise, tobacco use.
What could have triggered varicose veins during my pregnancy?
Pregnancy can cause compression of the pelvic veins and prevent normal flow of venous return from the legs. Your symptoms should get better post delivery, but you will likely have READ MORE
Pregnancy can cause compression of the pelvic veins and prevent normal flow of venous return from the legs. Your symptoms should get better post delivery, but you will likely have some symptoms in the future.
My father has been detected with peripheral artery disease. Please advise.
CAD and PAD have the same risk factors....CAD usually presents 1st as the vessels are smaller. Risk factor modification is critical- smoking cessation, aspirin and statin therapy READ MORE
CAD and PAD have the same risk factors....CAD usually presents 1st as the vessels are smaller. Risk factor modification is critical- smoking cessation, aspirin and statin therapy and BP control...plus a healthy diet and exercise.
Can a bypass surgery cause kidney problems?
Certainly if the bypass involves the aorta near the renal arteries, or if he had received many large doses of IV contrast. If the bypass is not in that area then it is unlikely READ MORE
Certainly if the bypass involves the aorta near the renal arteries, or if he had received many large doses of IV contrast. If the bypass is not in that area then it is unlikely that it has contributed to his renal insufficiency. His symptoms appear to be c/w worsening kidney function. He definitely needs to be evaluated for this condition.
What are the symptoms of a blood clot?
Blood clots can be in the arteries or veins, and the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of each are very different. Risk factors vary for differing patients. If you are worried READ MORE
Blood clots can be in the arteries or veins, and the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of each are very different. Risk factors vary for differing patients. If you are worried about having a blood clot, you should get it checked out for sure.
